No-code platforms make app development faster, but handling sensitive data in these tools requires careful attention. Simply hiding data in the UI isn't enough - security must be enforced at the database level to avoid data exposure.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Adalo: Offers built-in encryption, session management, and database-level permissions. Ideal for internal tools or MVPs.
- DreamFactory: Acts as a secure bridge for integrating no-code apps with legacy systems. Features robust RBAC, SSO support, and API-level security.
- Custom RBAC: Allows granular control over data access, ensuring only the right users see or edit specific information.
Balancing no-code speed with strong security is critical, especially for apps handling regulated data like customer, financial, or health records.
1. Adalo
Security Features
Adalo incorporates encryption and security headers to safeguard data across its platforms. For web and PWA apps, it enforces Strict-Transport-Security to block HTTP downgrade attacks and uses Content-Security-Policy to mitigate cross-site scripting (XSS) threats. On the native iOS side, App Transport Security (ATS) ensures HTTPS connections are enforced at the operating system level, providing encrypted communication by default.
To further enhance security, authentication tokens automatically expire every 20 days. This feature minimizes the risk of session hijacking by reducing the window of opportunity for compromised credentials to be exploited.
Access Control
Adalo's access control system is designed to secure data at the database collection level, going beyond simple UI-based restrictions. It offers three levels of permissions:
- Only Logged In Users: Restricts data access to authenticated accounts, ideal for internal tools like employee directories.
- Nobody: Limits access exclusively to the Adalo Builder interface, useful for managing sensitive administrative data.
- Everyone: Grants public access, suitable for content like blog posts or product catalogs.
Permissions are flexible, extending two degrees from the User collection. This allows developers to control access to related records without needing additional configurations. However, it's important to combine these database-level permissions with UI visibility rules. Simply hiding a field in the UI doesn’t guarantee its data is secure.
Integration Capabilities
Adalo supports seamless integration with external data sources via REST APIs. For enterprise users leveraging Adalo Blue, the platform provides integration with DreamFactory. This feature is particularly helpful for connecting to legacy systems that lack native APIs, enabling secure access to corporate IT infrastructure without requiring a complete database overhaul. These integrations form the backbone for more advanced security configurations.
Best Use Cases
Adalo is an excellent choice for building internal operations apps that require user authentication and role-based access, such as employee portals or customer directories. It’s equally effective for creating MVPs that handle sensitive data, as its built-in encryption and session management features meet baseline compliance needs. For teams working on tight timelines, Adalo’s integrated security tools eliminate the need for manual setup of SSL, authentication, or encryption, allowing apps to launch quickly and securely.
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2. DreamFactory Integration
Security Features
Adalo ensures in-app data security, but DreamFactory takes it a step further by securing enterprise backends.
DreamFactory operates on a private-by-default model, requiring authentication for every API call. At the very least, each request must include an API key in the X-DreamFactory-Api-Key header.
For user-specific access, DreamFactory employs multi-layered authentication. When enabled, the platform issues JSON Web Tokens (JWTs) that are passed via the X-DreamFactory-Session-Token header. This system verifies user identity and checks permissions before processing any requests. For enterprises, DreamFactory integrates seamlessly with SSO providers like Active Directory, LDAP, Okta, Auth0, AWS Cognito, and SAML 2.0. This means organizations can use their existing infrastructure to manage users instead of building standalone authentication systems.
The platform also includes tools like request throttling and logging. These features allow administrators to track who is accessing data, when, and how often. This level of monitoring is essential for auditing sensitive data access and preventing misuse.
DreamFactory’s RBAC system further strengthens security by refining access control.
Access Control
DreamFactory’s RBAC system allows administrators to set precise permissions at the database level. You can define which HTTP methods - GET, POST, PUT, DELETE - are allowed for specific tables, views, or stored procedures. For example, you could create a "Viewer" role with permission to perform only GET requests on specific tables, ensuring no data modifications are possible.
"The API key is associated with a role-based access control (RBAC) which determines what actions the client responsible for supplying the API key can undertake with regards to the API." - DreamFactory Docs
Each API key is tied to a specific RBAC role, linking authentication directly to authorization. This setup supports a least privilege approach, where you can generate API keys with only the permissions required for specific tasks. If a key is compromised, its impact is limited to the permissions of the associated role.
Integration Capabilities
DreamFactory generates REST APIs for over 20 database types, including MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQL Server, Snowflake, and MongoDB. This makes it particularly useful for connecting no-code apps to enterprise databases that weren’t built with mobile or web interfaces in mind.
When working with Adalo’s External Collections, set the "Results Key" to resource, as DreamFactory structures record collections under this specific JSON key. This configuration allows Adalo apps to interact with and display data from older systems without requiring a full database migration.
For Adalo Blue users, DreamFactory integration provides access to IT infrastructure that lacks native APIs. It enables teams to create mobile interfaces for ERP systems, internal databases, and other legacy software without the need for custom backend development.
Best Use Cases
DreamFactory is ideal for scenarios where enterprise data needs to be securely accessed through no-code apps. For organizations storing sensitive data in SQL Server, Snowflake, or similar databases, DreamFactory acts as a secure bridge to mobile or web interfaces built in Adalo.
It’s particularly effective for internal operations apps requiring nuanced access control. For example, a sales team might need read-only access to customer records, while managers require full editing capabilities. DreamFactory’s RBAC system enforces these permissions at the API level, ensuring security no matter how the app’s UI is set up.
SSO integration adds another layer of convenience and security. Employees can use their corporate login credentials to access no-code apps, thanks to DreamFactory’s compatibility with systems like Active Directory or Okta. This centralization simplifies user management and reduces security risks across multiple applications.
3. Custom RBAC Configurations
Security Features
Adalo's custom RBAC (Role-Based Access Control) configurations ensure sensitive data stays protected at the database level, not just within the user interface. Why does this matter? While UI visibility rules might hide a field or button, the underlying data could still be exposed to unauthorized users if collection permissions aren't properly set. Adalo tackles this by enforcing CRUD operations - Create, View, Update, Delete - directly at the collection level. Permissions range from "Everyone" (for public data) to "Nobody" (reserved for system-only access through the Builder UI). The "Nobody" setting is especially useful for safeguarding sensitive records from unauthorized access.
Access Control
Adalo takes security a step further with detailed access controls that let you manage data exposure at the property level. For instance, you can allow logged-in users to see names but keep email addresses hidden. This level of granularity helps you tailor access based on user needs.
There are five permission tiers available, including options like "Only the Record Creator" for personal data and "Some Logged In Users" for relationship-based access. To implement role-based access, you can add a "Role" property (e.g., Admin, Editor, Viewer) to user records. Roles can be assigned during user signup or adjusted manually in the database. Once roles are in place, you can configure collection permissions by selecting the "Shield and Key" icon in the collection settings. Additionally, you can restrict access to entire screens using the "Permissions" tab - perfect for scenarios where only users with an "Admin" role should see certain pages.
Best Use Cases
These enhanced controls make Adalo a strong choice for apps requiring detailed access hierarchies. For instance, internal operations apps can use role-based dashboards to ensure admins access analytics and management tools, while standard users only see their assigned tasks. For GDPR compliance, the "Only the Record Creator" permission ensures personal data stays secure, preventing unauthorized access to records owned by others.
Organizations with existing authentication systems can seamlessly integrate these RBAC configurations with Adalo Blue's single-codebase and SSO (Single Sign-On) features. This setup allows employees to log in using corporate credentials, with roles determining what data they can access across multiple internal apps. It's a streamlined way to manage users while keeping access controls tight.
No Code API Tutorial | Build a Secure REST API in 5 Minutes with DreamFactory
Pros and Cons Comparison
Security Features Comparison: Adalo vs DreamFactory vs Custom RBAC for No-Code Apps
When evaluating these strategies, it's clear that each comes with its own mix of complexity, flexibility, and maintenance demands. The right choice depends on your team's expertise, the specific needs of your app, and how much effort you're prepared to invest in upkeep.
Built-in platform security is the simplest option. It doesn’t require any coding or API configuration - everything is handled through the Builder's visual interface. Security updates are automatic, so there’s minimal maintenance. The downside? You’re limited to the platform's capabilities, which might not cover every specialized need, especially for enterprise-level applications.
External API management through DreamFactory strikes a middle ground. While it requires setting up API connections and managing authentication keys, it brings enterprise-grade security to legacy systems and databases that lack native APIs. It’s a solid way to access a variety of data sources without overhauling your infrastructure. However, you’ll need to stay on top of tasks like key rotation and API monitoring to keep things secure.
Custom RBAC configurations offer the most flexibility but demand the most effort. Adalo’s built-in RBAC tools already provide detailed control without needing to code, but if you go fully custom, you’re looking at manual setup and ongoing maintenance. This includes regular audits, permission updates, and ensuring the system remains secure. The quality of your implementation directly impacts how secure your app will be.
For many teams, especially those building internal tools or customer-focused products, a combination of Adalo’s built-in security and DreamFactory integration strikes a good balance. It delivers robust protection without the heavy lift of custom development.
Conclusion
Protecting sensitive data requires tailoring your approach to fit your specific needs. For internal tools or MVPs with straightforward role structures like admins, users, and guests, Adalo's database integration options provides built-in security. With database-level protections, sensitive data never reaches the user's device, allowing you to launch production-ready apps quickly. This built-in layer of security serves as a strong foundation, which can be enhanced further with external integrations.
For more advanced enterprise needs - such as connecting to legacy systems or integrating with secret management tools like Azure Key Vault or Google Cloud Secret Manager - DreamFactory integration is a reliable solution. As Microsoft emphasizes, "Proper management of secrets is crucial for maintaining the security and integrity of your application, workload, and associated data." This is particularly useful for businesses looking to provide mobile access to existing data without the need for a complete infrastructure overhaul.
When dealing with complex hierarchies, custom RBAC can offer more granular control. However, this approach often comes with challenges like role explosion, fragmented permission logic, and high maintenance demands, which may not be practical for many teams unless dedicated resources are available.
Data security is a shared responsibility. Building on a secure foundation with automatic updates and robust encryption strengthens your defenses. By enforcing least-privilege principles and relying on database-level permissions rather than UI-only restrictions, you can ensure a more secure and reliable system.
FAQs
How does Adalo protect sensitive data in its database?
Adalo secures sensitive information directly at the database level through collection permissions. These permissions let you decide who can view or modify specific data properties. This ensures that restricted data stays protected and is never sent to a user's device without proper authorization. It's an extra layer of security designed to safeguard your app's most important information.
How does DreamFactory enhance security in no-code apps?
DreamFactory strengthens the security of no-code applications through a combination of role-based access controls (RBAC), API key management, and advanced authentication options such as OAuth, SSO, LDAP, and Active Directory. These tools work together to ensure that sensitive data is accessible only to authorized users.
With these safeguards in place, DreamFactory enforces strict access policies, protects critical app data, and provides confidence in managing sensitive information within no-code environments.
Why is role-based access control (RBAC) essential for protecting sensitive data?
Role-based access control (RBAC) plays a key role in safeguarding sensitive data. It ensures that users can only access the information and tools necessary for their specific roles, reducing the chance of unauthorized access and minimizing the risk of data breaches.
Custom RBAC takes this a step further by allowing permissions to be tailored to the unique requirements of your app or business. This not only strengthens security but also makes managing users more straightforward - especially as teams expand or roles shift over time.
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